Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. Both are compelling mid-range contenders, but they have key differences that will appeal to different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of their specs, focusing on what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm, 178.8g | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm, 201.8g | Poco M5s is more compact and lighter, better for one-handed use and extended holding. Redmi Note 12 Pro is taller, wider and heavier, which may feel less comfortable for some. |
| Build | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. Poco M5s is more compact, better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide a sharp display, suitable for everyday use and enjoying content. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Very similar pixel density, meaning both screens offer crisp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels with excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, a significant upgrade for gamers and users who want a more fluid interface. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers slightly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Helio G95 is a tad faster in benchmarks, but real-world performance is likely similar. The Snapdragon 732G may have slightly better efficiency and stability in some cases. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 397,200 | Poco M5s demonstrates a slightly higher benchmark score, but this doesn't always equate to a noticeable daily performance boost. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 | Different GPUs: the Mali GPU is powerful for gaming, while the Adreno GPU is known for its efficiency and general stability. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2", 0.7µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro's higher resolution and larger sensor should translate to more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly higher resolution selfie cam, but Poco M5s has larger pixels, potentially better in low-light. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Both phones offer identical wide-angle cameras. |
| Depth/Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Identical depth sensors on both phones. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has higher resolution on the macro lens for slightly more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Both can shoot 4K and full HD video; Poco M5s has more slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both offer comparable battery capacity for all-day use under normal conditions. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, a major convenience for those who need quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | Poco M5s comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Poco M5s supports Wi-Fi MiMO (multiple input multiple output), which may enhance Wi-Fi performance in certain conditions. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for slightly better connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, though Poco M5s also has a 64 GB model. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have similar options for RAM, sufficient for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users must be careful with their storage needs when making a purchase. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: Its smaller size and weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Slightly Better Benchmark Score: Offers a small edge in benchmarks, indicating potentially slightly better raw processing power, though real-world difference is not significant.
- Potentially Better Low-Light Selfies: With larger pixel size on the selfie camera, it may be slightly better in low light condition.
- More slow motion possibilities: Has more slow motion capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Strengths:
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid and enjoyable user experience.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is a major convenience, allowing for quicker battery top-ups.
- Superior Main Camera: The 108MP sensor should capture more detail and perform better in low light than the Poco M5s's 64MP sensor.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 gives better drop and scratch protection over the Poco M5s Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: The bluetooth 5.1 should provide better connectivity compared to 5.0 of Poco M5s.
- Better Macro Lens: The higher-resolution 5MP macro lens may offer more detail in close-up shots.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M5s has a slightly older chipset. Although its AnTuTu score is higher, in daily use both phones are expected to perform very similarly.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, while having a larger screen, is heavier and less comfortable for prolonged one-handed use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Best for: Users who prioritize portability and ease of handling.
- Use Cases: Great for daily use, social media, casual gaming, and those who prefer a lighter phone for carrying around. Good for someone who wants more slow motion video capabilities.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a smooth, immersive viewing experience, faster charging, and camera quality.
- Use Cases: Ideal for media consumption, gaming, photography enthusiasts, and users who need quick charging on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help decide between these two, ask yourself:
- Do I value a smoother display and faster charging above all else? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a strong pick.
- Do I prefer a smaller, lighter phone that's easier to handle? If yes, the Poco M5s should be your focus.
- Is the camera performance a priority? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G with its 108MP camera will likely perform better, especially in low light.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Commuter/On-the-Go User: If you are mostly using your phone for navigation, calls, texting, and social media, and you are always on the go, the Poco M5s is a great choice due to its compact size, lightweight design and good battery life. The fast charging on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a plus, but the weight and size may be problematic for carrying in pockets, therefore the Poco M5s is a better option.
- The Media Enthusiast: If you watch videos, game, or browse social media for long periods, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the better choice. It offers a smoother experience, faster charging, and a bigger screen.
- The Photography Lover: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the better option here with its higher resolution main sensor, better video recording and higher resolution on the macro lens.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. While I appreciate the compactness and lighter design of the Poco M5s, the 120Hz display and significantly faster charging of the Note 12 Pro are key for me in my daily usage. Also, given the camera hardware superiority, I think it's a better overall package for my needs, especially when it comes to media consumption, content creation and overall fluidity. The larger and heavier form is a trade-off I'm happy to make for the gains in these key areas.
